Clever war satire (Charlie Wilson's War (DVD))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Charlie Wilson's War (DVD)
Date:	11/09/09 (4 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Performances, script

Disadvantages: A bit disorientating if you're not a politics buff

note: also appears in part on Flixster and The Student Room

Charlie Wilson's War is based on the true story of one Charlie Wilson (Tom Hanks), a United States Congressman who aided in bringing the Cold War to an end. Whilst I expected a smart satire, what the film delivered beyond my expectations was an interesting piece from a character perspective, most notably the depiction of Hanks' Wilson. He's a man who seems to care for the world and hopes to change the face of war-torn regions and such, but is also a hedonist, with his motivation in life largely being towards pleasure. He has to balance these two factors, and doesn't always manage to do so properly - it reminds me a lot of real politics, where we always decry our leaders, but sort of an automaton doing the job, we (sadly?) have to deal with very human people that make myriad mistakes.

Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts) does challenge his outlook somewhat however, giving him a very real look at the devastation of war that he has only previously imagined from behind his comfy desk chair. He decides to help the Afghans arm up during the Cold War, and teams up with Herring and insane CIA agent Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who is the absolute treat of the film, with his utterly ridiculous get up and very, very short temper.

Although it's cleverly written, this wouldn't be much without its cast, who really make the best interpretations of the material possible to make it both clever and accessible - it's quite complex plot-wise, so it needs such skilled actors to bring it home to those who aren't as politically and historically informed as the writers.

Smart, witty and funny, this politicomedy, whilst at times disorientating, survives on the strength of Hanks' performance, and the hilarity of Phillip Seymour Hoffman's get-up. Very entertaining if you enjoy subtle humour and are willing to ignore any emblematic or allegorical readings of the narrative.

Summary: Very funny and well acted